Things to do before and after school – Your first weekend.

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If you are new to Curitiba I recommend, at the first available opportunity, probably your first weekend to take the city tour by bus. Called the Linha Turismo, it is the perfect way to get to know the city and its best attractions. The tour starts from a square in the centre of the city called Praça Tiradentes. Buses run every half hour starting at 9 am. Your ticket gives you five vouchers which allows you to get on and off the bus four times along the route. There are more than four places worth seeing so I suggest you see those places further from the centre and more difficult to get to and leave the more central places for another day. However, I recommend you get an early bus as you will need most of the day to do and see the things I suggest.

Linha TurismoCheck the weather forecast before buying your ticket, although there are lots of things to see indoors, it is a much better experience when it is not raining as there are  several parks to see. I have copied the itinerary from the official “Linha Turismo” website so you do not have to leave the blog. However, I have added some comments and recommendations of where to visit. If you cannot go on a weekend, do not go on a Monday as some of the attractions are closed.

 

 

 

 

PRAÇA TIRADENTES

Praça Tiradentes
Praça Tiradentes


Considered to be the tour’s starting point. A busy traditional square with lots of tubular bus stops. The “Catedral Basílica de Nossa Senhora da Luz” is located here and worth a visit. Built in Gothic style, it was renovated for its  centenary in 1993. Don’t forget to look down at your feet and see the wonderful designs in the “calçadão” and look up to the heavens to see the famous Paraná Pines Araucaria angustifolia.

 

RUA DAS FLORES

Rua XV de Novembro (15th of November Street) is one of the major streets in central Curitiba. Also known as Rua das Flores (Flower Street), it was the country’s first “calçadão” (Pedestrianised street with black and white decorated stones under foot), inaugurated in 1972. Calcadões are one of the hallmarks of the city’s cultural revolution. It is very common to see every kind of artistic performance, such as mime artists and clowns who interact with those who pass by, musicians, magicians and other miscellaneous performers, such as the Statue Man. You can go to Rua XV anytime so don’t use one of your stops here.

Rua das Flores

The street has the oldest Confeitaria (Coffee shop) in the city opened in 1945

Rua das Flores Confetaria

First time: 9:06 am                                                                                                                                                          Last time: 5:36 pm

RUA 24 HORAS

Rua 24 Horas

Rua 24 Horas was opened by Jaime Lerner, the mayor of Curitiba, in 1991. It initially opened 24 hours a day. The mall closed in 2007 for renovations and reopened in 2011. On reopening, the hours were limited to 9:00 AM to 10:00PM. The street displays once again the architecture that made it known worldwide, with the large arches and the 24-hour clock.  No worth using one of your stops here.

First time: 9:12 am
Last time: 5:42 pm

 

 

 MUSEU FERROVIÁRIO & SHOPPING ESTAÇÃO 

Built in the old railway station, it shows how the station would have looked a century ago. The building next to it is the Shopping Estação mall, The mall and the museum are directly opposite my apartment block and are worth a visit but not on your first weekend.

First time: 9:21 am
Last time: 5:51 pm

Shopping Estação and Museu Ferroviário
Shopping Estação and Museu Ferroviário

 

TEATRO DO PAIOL

Teatro do Piaol
Teatro do Paiol Source: Wikipedia

Built in 1906, the old gunpowder storeroom was “recycled” into an arena shaped theatre in 1971. Blessed by the poet Vinícius de Moraes, it marks the beginning of Curitiba’s cultural transformation.Not worth using one of your stops here.
First time: 9:30 am
Last time: 6:00 pm

 

 

 

 

JARDIM BOTÂNICO

Jardim Botanico
Jardim Botãnico

Curitiba’s landmark, it was opened in 1991. Its metallic greenhouse holds botanical species that are national references and attracts researchers from all over the world. I would make this your first stop of the day.
First time: 9:42 am
Last time: 6:11 pm

 

RODOFERROVIÁRIA & MERCADO MUNICIPAL

Mercardo Municipal
Mercado Municipal

On its inauguration in 1972, the Rodoferroviária represented a mark for the country regarding transportation terminals, due its modern and functional conception. It is the place to take the Serra Verde Express to Morettes. The Municipal market, opposite is the traditional place to buy fresh meat and fish, fruits and vegetables and other products from around the world. Look at my video blog to see what I bought. Worth a visit but not on your first weekend.  http://www.intercambiohelp4u.com/gringoinbrazil/mercardo-municipal/

First time: 9:51 am                                                                                                                                                          Last time: 6:20 pm

 

TEATRO GUAÍRA/UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL

Teatro Guaíra & Universidade Federal da Paraná

The Teatro Guaíra is located in the Praça Santos Andrade, and it’s one of Latin America’s largest theatres. It is in fact three theatres in one. On the other side of the square, is the Federal University of Paraná, the first University in Brazil. Not worth getting off the bus for but certainly worth going to a concert or the ballet.

First time: 9:57 am
Last time: 6:26 pm

 

LIBERTY PALACE
It’s a construction dating from 1916 and was the former City Hall of Curitiba. Built in brick over concrete blocks and masonry in a neoclassical and art nouveau style. It is registered by Institute of Historical and Artistic Patrimony (IPHAN). Currently it is a cultural centre. Not worth getting off the bus for but the square in front and the building itself are worth a look on a walk around the centre.
First time: 10:03 am
Last time: 6:32 pm

 

MEMORIAL ÁRABE & PASSEIO PÚBLICO
Located in the Praça Gibran Khalil, the Memorial is a modern construction, inspired by the people of the desert. Inside the building there is a library.
The Passeio Público was the first public park in Curitiba and also housed the first zoo in the city. It used to house large animals but nowadays there are only small animals. The Passeio Público is worth a visit but not on this trip as it is in easy walking distance of the centre.
First time: 10:08 am
Last time: 6:37 pm

 

11. CENTRO CÍVICO
Headquarters for Paraná’s state council, it was built in 1953, on the centennial of the State’s political emancipation. No need to get off the bus, just look at the wide open spaces through the bus windows.
First time: 10:10 am
Last time: 6:40 pm

 

MUSEU OSCAR NIEMEYER (MON)

MON

It is the largest and the most modern museum in Brazil. Designed by the architect Oscar Niemeyer, the “Eye” is one of the buildings where he took personal control of the construction. One of my favourite places in Curitiba, definitely worth a visit, but maybe not on this trip as you need time and it is fairly close to the centre. Very close to the museum is the  Bosque Joao Pãulo II  (Bosque do Papa) see below a  wood for walking and just outside the wood on Rua Viêira dos Santos is the Mary Ann Apple Factory a great coffee shop if you love toffee apples or apple pie.
First time: 10:15 am
Last time: 6:45 pm

 

13. BOSQUE DO PAPA & MEMORIAL POLONÊS
Memorial of the Polish immigration, it is composed of seven houses made of wooden logs, tucked away in native woods. It was opened in 1980, soon after Pope John Paul II’s visit to Curitiba. I would combine on a different day the MON above and this wood.
First time: 10:30 am
Last time: 6:48 pm

 

14. BOSQUE ALEMÃO

Bosque Alemão
Bosque Alemão

The “Bosque Alemão” is dedicated to the German immigrants. Its special attractions include the Hansel and Gretel Trail, taken from one of the Brothers Grimm’s tales. The Enchanted House, the Bach Oratorium and the “Torre dos Filósofos” (The Philosopher’s Tower), which has a magnificent view of Curitiba. This wood is worth a visit, it is best to start at the top and walk through the woods to the bottom.

First time: 10:30 am
Last time: 6:58 pm

 

15. UNIVERSIDADE LIVRE DO MEIO AMBIENTE/UNILIVRE
Amid the green forest of Zaninelli and with the presence of oceanographer Jacques Cousteau, the Universidade Livre do Meio Ambiente was opened in 1992. It is the first university in the world created to study the development of environmental preservation. It is a place I have never been to so cannot really comment.
First time: 10:36 am
Last time: 7:04 pm

 

16. PARQUE SÃO LOURENÇO
An old glue factory gave way to the Creativity Centre, with courses, workshops and exhibition rooms. The park also has a race track and a lake and is surrounded by native forest. A Definite must, but not on this trip as I prefer other parks.
First time: 10:42 am
Last time: 7:09 pm

 

17. ÓPERA DE ARAME & PEDREIRA PAULO LEMINSKI

Ópera de Arame
Ópera de Arame & Pedreira Paulo Leminski

Built in a tube-like structure, the Ópera de Arame, opened in 1992, is a magical space that blends into the nature of its surroundings.
Next to the opera house is the quarry Pedreira Paulo Leminski, which is  a stage for great cultural and artistic events in Curitiba. I would take a break here, wander around for a while, have a beer in the bar opposite and wait for the next bus. Although it is possible to walk to Parque TanguÁ from here, I know because I’ve done it.

First time: 10:47 am
Last time: 7:13 pm

 

18. PARQUE TANGUÁ

Parque Tanguá
Parque Tanguá

An example of urban space being re-utilized. With an area of 450,000 m2 , it was built on old quarries. The highlights can be seen on my blog post. A definite must on this trip.                                 http://www.intercambiohelp4u.com/gringoinbrazil/a-visit-to-parque-tangua-curitiba/

First time: 10:54 am                                                                                                                                                        Last time: 7:20 pm

 

19. PARQUE TINGÜI
Parque Tingüi reminds us of the first occupants of the “Campos de Curitiba” the Indians of the Guarani nation. Worth a visit but depending on the time of year take your insect repellent. My recommendation is not today.
First time: 11:01 am
Last time: 7:27 pm

 

20. MEMORIAL UCRANIANO
A replica of Saint Michael’s Church, in the Mountain of Tiger, in Mallet, it has a domed roof made of pine and Bronze. Located in Parque Tingüi, it is dedicated to the centennial of the arrival of the Polish immigrants . Don’t get off the bus here
First time: 11:05 am
Last time: 7:30 pm

 

21. PORTAL ITALIANO
The Portal shows the beginning of the neighbourhood Santa Felicidade, imitating the typical buildings of this Italian immigrant’s neighbourhood. Don’t get off the bus here but go to the next stop at the top of the hill and stop for a well deserved late lunch.
First time: 11:11 am
Last time: 7:36 pm

 

SANTA FELICIDADE

Restaurant Madalosso
Restaurant Madalosso


A Colony started in 1878 by Italian immigrants. It used to be Curitiba’s main gastronomic centre and has many typical houses, which are preserved for historical, architectural and sentimental reasons. There are several restaurants to choose from.  I recommend the Rodizio Churrascaria Madalosso, as the food is quite good and it is definitely an experience in being one of the largest restaurants I have ever been to being able to seat  a few thousand people. Maybe the largest restaurant in South America.
First time: 11:20 am
Last time: 7:45 pm

 

PARQUE BARIGÜI

Parque Barigüi
Parque Barigüi

Opened in 1972, it is one of the largest parks in the city, being a safe haven for several native, and migratory animals. It was also chosen by Curitibanos as one of the favourite parks for taking daily walks. The park has gym equipment and an amusement park, besides having a space for exhibitions and events, and an Automobile Museum. It is one of my favourite parks, If you are not too full after lunch it is worth a stop. Check out my video blog. http://www.intercambiohelp4u.com/gringoinbrazil/a-walk-around-parque-barigui/

First time: 11:31 am
Last time: 7:54 pm

 

TORRE PANORÂMICA

Torre Panorãmica
Torre Panorãmica

The only telephone tower in Brazil with an observation deck for sight-seeing that is open for visits. One hundred and nine and a half meters high, it was opened in 1991 and it is one of the most visited tourist points in Curitiba. The watch tower has a view of 360°.  Worth a visit if time permits and you have a stop left. You can always take a short taxi ride back into the city centre if you have no bus tickets left. See my Video Blog.
First time: 11:37 am
Last time: 7:59 pm

 

 

SECTOR HISTÓRICO

Centro Historico
Centro Historico

The ruins of the church São Francisco de Paula, which was never completed, the Relógio das Flores (a working clock made of flowers) the fountain “Fonte da Memória”, old churches and reformed old mansions that are turned into cultural spaces, make up the historical sector of the city, where one of the most prominent features is the memorial dedicated to Curitiba, the Memorial de Curitiba. On Sunday mornings there are, at Igreja do Rosário, a mass for the tourists and also on the street, a craft fair. Leave this for a Sunday morning shop before lunch. Here you can find several bars including the famous Bar Alemão.

First time: 11:45 am
Last time: 8:05 pm

 

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Planning – Things to do before you travel

The first thing to do is decide to study Portuguese in Brazil at the Federal University of Parana (UFPR) Celin language school. Português como Lingua Estrangeira (PLE), Portuguese as a foreign language is taught in 90 hour modules over eight weeks. Courses start 5 times a year in late-January, early-April, mid-June, mid-August and mid-October. If in doubt check out the course details and starting dates  on the intercambiohelp4u website at  www.intercambiohelp4u.com/.

UFPR

In my opinion you need to book your course at least one month before the start date and preferably two as you will need this time to get your documentation organised. Booking your curse with intercambiohelp4U is the first step and you can pay for it in the UK in pounds sterling or Euros without having the hassle of having to do an international transfer in Brazilian Reais. Within two weeks of booking and paying for your course you will receive an official invitation letter from Celin, which is required if you are going to apply for a student visa.

Celin Logo

Celin School

Do I Need a Visa to Study at Celin?                                                                                                                             The answer to the question is it depends. I went through the process of applying for and obtaining a student visa, however, it is not strictly necessary. Most information you read states that if you are to study at a Brazilian University then you should apply for a student visa at your local Brazilian Consulate before you travel. However, if your course lasts for less than 90 days then a visa is not required. If you wish to open a bank account on your arrival in Brazil then you will need a student visa. If you are intending to study for more than 90 days even though your first course lasted less than 90 days you need to obtain a student visa before you travel. It is relatively easy to extend a student visa within Brazil but impossible to apply for one from within the country.

Student VisaMost student visas are valid for 12 months, however, for some reason mine is only  valid for three. If you need help applying for your student visa, then CartorioHelp4U, a sister company of IntercambioHelp4U, has experts who deal with the Brazilian Consulate in London on a daily basis. In the UK student visa applications have to be made online, you will need a police check to see if you have any convictions, this can be obtained through any police station but can take several weeks, a quicker but more expensive option is to use ACRO Criminal Records Office www.acro.police.uk where a certificate is normally issued within 10 working days. In addition to your police check and invitation letter from Celin, you will need a passport photo, a bank statement showing you have at least the equivalent of USD 2,000 and a copy of your passport. All these documents must be scanned and uploaded to the consular website, you can then go online and book an appointment. All original documents must be taken to your interview. If any are incorrect your application may be rejected. The issue of your visa from your interview takes 3 working days. If you do obtain a student visa and enter Brazil with it then by law you must register with the Federal police within 30 days of arrival, if you don’t you are liable for a fine for each day over the 30 days. I will do a separate post of registering with the Policia Federal as in theory it is straightforward, without a “Brazilian Buddy” it is not that easy.

What is a CPF and do I Need One?                                                                                                                             CPF stands for “Cadastro de Pessoas Física (Individual Taxpayer Registry.) It is a document that any person living in Brazil needs to, purchase a property, a car rent an apartment, open a bank account or activate a SIM card for a mobile telephone.  By law if you live in Brazil for less than 12 months you do not need to apply for a CPF. However, even though you can register and pay for your course at Celin, within the first 7 days after the course starts you will be asked for your CPF number. I had to provide a CPF number to rent an apartment                                                                     CPF 3At the checkout in a supermarket you will usually be asked if you want to register your CPF with the purchase, this allows you to claim some tax back at the end of the year, presumably you also have to pay tax.. A CPF is a unique number to you given once in your lifetime. You can apply for your CPF after arrival or before travel at your local Brazilian consulate.  It is reportedly easy to apply for a CPF in Brazil, You just have to fill up the application form at either any Banco do Brasil, Caixa Econômica Federal or Correios agency or directly at the Federal Revenue (Receita Federal). As a foreigner you will need the following documents. Your passport or other identity document applicable to your country of residence which must be translated by a certified translator. You can follow the status of your application on the internet, at Receita Federal’s website, using the attendance number provided during your application. Your CPF number should be available within 48 hours of your application.  Unless your Portuguese is good, but then why would you be applying to study Portuguese at Celin, or you have a “Brazilian Buddy” I recommend applying for your CPF, at your local Brazil consulate before you travel. Although it will take several weeks and sometime months to arrive, it takes all the hassle of having to do it on arrival, when you are new to the country, city and language. If you need help applying for your CPF in the UK then CartorioHelp4U can help you.

Other things worth doing before you leave home:

  • Photocopy the main pages of your passport so that whilst in Brazil you do not have to carry your actual passport with you. I had the photocopy of my passport certified at a local notary, not strictly needed, but more of a belt and braces job. You can have this done in your own country but it will probably cost more than the few pounds it costs in Brazil.
  • Make sure you have adequate travel insurance. Many policies only cover trips for up to 30 or 60 days, ensure your policy covers trips for up to 90 days or more if required.
  • Inform your bank of when you will be travelling and where to so that your debit and credit cards will not be blocked on arrival
  • Photocopy or scan all your documents including credit and debit cards

Useful Contacts:

IntercambioHelp4U

28A Queensway

London

W2 3RX

Tel: +44 207 636 8500

Email: intercambio@londonhelp4u.co.uk

www.intercambiohelp4u.com

 

CartorioHelp4U

28A Queensway

London

W2 3RX

Tel: +44 207 636 8500

Email: cartorio@londonhelp4u.co.uk

www.cartoriohelp4u.com

 

 

                                                 

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Where to Live

Going to live in a new city, even for a short time is always a worry and with a language problem even more so. I did my research in London before arriving in Curitiba, but did not arrange anything permanently until after I arrived.  It is worth checking out the Airbnb website https://www.airbnb.com where you can get a good indication of availability and prices. You may be able to find somewhere for your entire stay, but this is unlikely and it is probably best to book from a few days up to one week. Prices on the website see the screen print below range from R$ 37 – R$ 3,500  per night with an average of R$162 per night. These prices are generally much cheaper than hotels.

airbnb

If you are planning to attend the full course for eight weeks then there are different options available. The CELIN school keeps a list of host families which you can obtain by sending an email to acordoseconvenios_celin@ufpr.br. Host families provide everyday immersion in Brazilian culture as students share daily life with local people. Sharing an apartment with other students is another good option as many students live in the city centre near to the university and where most of the cultural activities take place. It is worth checking out the following sites www.reicuritiba.org, www.easyquarto.com.br and the Facebook page Curitiba PR-Dividir Moradia.

Needless to say I took a different route. Whilst researching before my trip I came across a great Brazilian site which has an English version www.shortstaycuritiba.com. I recommend this company, they manage over 300 apartments in Curitiba. It is the one I used to rent my apartment. However you have to rent for at least one month. Once registered you can look at the apartment buildings and check out the availability, which changes daily. You can reserve an apartment online and arrange for payment before you leave but I would not recommend this. I suggest you book temporary accommodation with Airbnb, a local hotel or one of the hostels here in Curitiba, check out this site, which, is in English, at the time of writing prices were between R$ 30- 60 per night and most have free wifi. http://www.hostelworld.com/findabed.php/ChosenCity.Curitiba/ChosenCountry.Brazil

Hostels Curitiba 2

You should have already had a tour of my apartment on the blog “Um Tour Pelo Meu Apartamento” if not check it out, I even try to speak Portuguese. Let’s see how much I improve over the next few weeks.

My Apartment Building
My Apartment Building

The main reason for not booking a long term let before your arrival is twofold. One, you need to see for yourself the standard of the accommodation and secondly and more important for me was that I wanted to explore the different areas of the city and discover how far CELIN was from each apartment. I looked at about eight apartments before choosing Life Space Sete de Setembro. It is near the centre of town, about thirty minutes walk from CELIN and I can walk to most places I want to go or take a short taxi ride. I haven’t ventured on the famous Curitiba bendy busses but I will and I will give you the full lowdown. Any questions on choosing where to live, leave a comment and I will reply.

The way I worked it out was to use google maps and put the University UFPR or CELIN  on XV de Novembro on the map and then draw an imaginary circle with CELIN in the centre. To help you, Shopping Estação is opposite where I live and it takes me 30 minutes to walk to the school.

 

 

Eu tenho que fazer minha lição de casa para a escola nesta sexta-feira.

This is Leo Gringo in Brazil

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